The first thing I see when I look out my window is my flag of the United States of America blowing in the breeze. Often, I will sit and gaze at the flag - great focus for thinking. These are my musings and ramblings, and, on occasion, rants... I am unapologetic in my support of our military, our country and my devotion to God. I will honor them and pay tribute to them here.
Along the side bar you will find tributes to Oregon's fallen warriors.

"It was very tough not to be touched by him in some way," said Terri Schall, Sgt. Kenneth Schall's mother.

Kenneth Schall was enrolled at Glendale Community College and was studying to become a history teacher when the country was attacked on September 11, 2001. The event spurred him to join the Army.

Born in Phoenix, and a graduate of Centennial High School in Peoria in 2001, Kenny lettered in golf. He was an all-around athlete.

He enlisted into the Army in May 2003. Schall had been stationed at Fort Riley since November 2003. He served a three month rotation to Iraq, with 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor and returned to Fort Riley in March 2004. He deployed with his unit, for a second rotation in February 2005.

Terri Schall last spoke to her son on Mother's Day in 2005. "He sounded great — tired — but he said he was doing OK", she said. Pictures from Iraq showed him playing soccer and handing out candy to the children. Sgt. Kenneth Schall died when the Humvee he was riding in was involved in an accident in Yusafiyah, Iraq.

Along with his mother, Sgt. Schall is survived by his father and two younger siblings.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their livesso that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

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